Mounting assembly for a weighing device

ABSTRACT

A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.15/671,350, which was filed on Aug. 8, 2017.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a mounting assembly for aweighing device, such that the weighing device may not occupy ahorizontal surface when not in use. Traditional weighing devices occupya horizontal surface, such as a floor, when in use.

SUMMARY

A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplaryaspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, avertical structure mount, a first link attached to the verticalstructure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, athird link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link,and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and secondlink.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing assembly, thesecond link is configured for attachment to an upper weighing surface ofthe weighing device.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies,a bracket is included for attaching the second link to the weighingdevice.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies,a fifth link is pivotably attached to the second link.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies,a sixth link is pivotably attached to the second link.

A method for mounting a weighing device to a vertical structure,according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes,among other things, attaching a mounting assembly to the weighingdevice, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a vertical structuremount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a secondlink for attachment to the weighing device, a third link pivotablyattached to the first link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to thefirst link, placing a weighing device on a horizontal surface a distancefrom a vertical structure, and attaching the vertical structure mount tothe vertical structure.

A method for mounting a weighing device to a vertical structure,according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes,among other things, attaching a bracket to a weighing device, attachingthe bracket to a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assemblycomprises a vertical structure mount, a first link within the verticalstructure mount, a second link for attachment to the weighing device, athird link pivotably attached to the first link, and a fourth linkpivotably attached to the first link, and attaching the verticalstructure mount to the vertical structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in a down position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the example mounting assembly for aweighing device in the down position.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the example mounting assembly fora weighing device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example second link of theexample mounting assembly for a weighing device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the example mounting assembly for aweighing device in an upright stowed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a vertical structure mount and amechanism of the example mounting assembly for a weighing device.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the vertical structure mountand the mechanism of the example mounting assembly for a weighing devicein a disengaged position.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the vertical structure mountand the mechanism of the example mounting assembly for a weighing devicein an engaged position.

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of the example mounting assembly for aweighing device in a position between the down position and the uprightstowed position.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in a position between the down position and theupright stowed position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a second example mounting assembly fora weighing device in the down position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the second example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in an upright stowed position.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the second example mountingassembly for a weighing device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the second example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in a position between the down position and theupright stowed position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third example mounting assembly for aweighing device.

FIG. 14A is an exploded view of the third example mounting assembly fora weighing device.

FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the third example mounting assembly fora weighing device.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the third example mounting assembly for aweighing device in an upright position.

FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of the vertical structure mountand the mechanism of the third example mounting assembly for a weighingdevice in a disengaged position.

FIG. 16B illustrates a perspective view of the vertical structure mountand the mechanism of the third example mounting assembly for a weighingdevice in an engaged position.

FIG. 16C illustrates an exploded view of an example vertical structuremount and first link.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the third example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in a position between the down position and theupright stowed position.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a fourth example mounting assembly for aweighing device

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the fourth example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in a position between the down position and theupright stowed position.

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the fourth example mounting assemblyfor a weighing device in the upright stowed position.

FIG. 21A illustrates a perspective view of the vertical structure mountand the mechanism of the fourth example mounting assembly for a weighingdevice in a disengaged position.

FIG. 21B illustrates a perspective view of the vertical structure mountand the mechanism of the fourth example mounting assembly for a weighingdevice in an engaged position.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart representative of a method for mounting aweighing device to a vertical structure.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart representative of a second method for mounting aweighing device to a vertical structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a mounting assembly 100 for a weighing device W. Inone example, the weighing device W is a weight scale. The assembly 100includes a vertical structure mount 102 configured for attachment to avertical structure V, one example being a surface of a wall. A mechanism104 is fixed to the vertical structure mount 102 and to a weighingdevice W. The mechanism 104 is configured to guide the raising andlowering of the weighing device W from and to a horizontal surface H,one example being a floor, between a down position (shown) and anupright stowed position (FIG. 5).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mechanism 104 includes a first link 106attached to the vertical structure mount 102. A second link 108 isconfigured for attachment to the weighing device W. A third link 110 ispivotably attached to the first link, and a fourth link 112 is pivotablyattached to the first link 106. In one example, the second link 108 isconfigured for attachment to an upper weighing surface Wu of theweighing device, such that the assembly may be used universally withexisting weighing devices. Attachment to the upper weighing surface Wuof the weighing device W allows for accurate readings by not distortingthe readings of the weighing device W through interference with itsbalance on the horizontal surface H. Attachment to other surfaces of theweighing device W is contemplated.

A fifth link 114 is pivotably attached to the second link 108, and asixth link 116 is pivotably attached to the second link 108. The thirdlink 110 is pivotably attached to the fifth link 114, and the fourthlink 112 is pivotably attached to the fifth link 114 and the sixth link116. In some examples, the links 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 may bepivotably attached at pivot joints by rivets or pins.

The assembly 100 is shown in a down position in FIG. 2, such that theweighing device W is displaced a horizontal distance X along thehorizontal surface H from the vertical structure V, and the verticalstructure mount 102 is displaced a vertical distance Y along thevertical structure V from the horizontal surface H. In one example, thevalues for X and Y are great enough such that the assembly 100 can cleara baseboard B or other object on the vertical structure V. In oneexample, X is at least about 3 inches and Y is at least about 5 inches.The value for X may be great enough such that a user of the weighingdevice W is spaced an appropriate distance from the vertical structure Vwhen using the weighing device W.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the example assembly 100. Thefirst link 106 includes a first pair of openings 120 and a pair ofopenings 122. The pair of openings 120 are configured to align with apair of openings 124 on the third link 110 to form a pivot joint forpivotal attachment. The pair of openings 122 are configured to alignwith a pair of openings 126 on the fourth link 112 to form a pivot jointfor pivotal attachment. The third link 110 includes a pair of openings128 configured to align with a pair of openings 130 on the fifth link114 to form a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. The fifth link 114includes a pair of openings 132 configured to align with a pair ofopenings 134 in the fourth link 112 to form a pivot joint for pivotalattachment. The fourth link includes a pair of openings 136 configuredto align with a pair of openings 138 in the sixth link 116 to form apivot joint for pivotal attachment. The sixth link 116 includes a pairof openings 140 configured to align with a pair of openings 142 in thesecond link 108 to form a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. The secondlink 108 includes a pair of openings 144 configured to align with a pairof openings 146 in the fifth link 114 to form a pivot joint for pivotalattachment.

The pair of openings 124 and the pair of openings 128 are located atopposite ends of the third link 110. The pair of openings 126 and thepair of openings 134 are located at opposite ends of the fourth link112, with the pair of openings 136 located between the pair of openings126 and the pair of openings 134. The pair of openings 130 and the pairof openings 146 are located at opposite ends of the fifth link 114, andthe pair of openings 132 are located between the pair of openings 130and the pair of openings 146. The pair of openings 138 and the pair ofopenings 140 are located at opposite ends of the sixth link 116. Thepair of openings 120 are vertically above the pair of openings 122.

The first link 106 may include one or more sidewalls 150 extending froma base wall 152. The end of the third link 110 having the openings 124and the end of the fourth link 112 having the openings 126 areconfigured to be received between the sidewalls 150 of the first link106, allowing for a compact assembly 100 in the upright stowed and downpositions.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example second link 108, including a linkingportion 154 with pairs of openings 142, 144. The linking portion 154 isattached to an arm portion 156. A pair of extensions 158 extend from anupper surface 160 of the arm portion 156. The extensions 158 areconfigured to receive a pair of adhesive pads 162 for attaching thesecond link 108 to an upper weighing surface Wu of the weighing deviceW. In one example, the extensions 158 include a concave undersurfaceconfigured to face the weighing device W. Although two extensions 158are shown in the example, more or fewer extensions are contemplated.

FIG. 5 shows the assembly 100 in the stowed upright position, in whichthe weighing device W is displaced vertically from the horizontalsurface H, and the upper weighing surface Wu faces the verticalstructure V. For example, the weighing device W may rotate from the downposition to the upright stowed position to be parallel with the verticalstructure V or rotate past a position parallel with the verticalstructure V. As one example, the weighing device W may be 4 degrees pastparallel with the vertical structure V in the upright stowed position.In one example, the arm portion 156 of the second link 108 includes asurface 161 extending from the upper surface 160 configured to abut anedge surface WE of the weighing device W to provide upward support tothe weighing device W when the assembly 100 is in the upright stowedposition. The assembly 100 may utilize a locking feature or features tomaintain the assembly 100 in the stowed upright position.

Referring to FIG. 6, as one example locking feature, the verticalstructure mount 102 may include one or more hooks 164 for engaging themechanism 104 when the weighing device W is in a vertical position. Inthe example, the first link 106 is vertically movable within thevertical structure mount 102. One or more of the sidewalls 150 of thefirst link 106 may include one or more vertically oriented slots 166 forengaging one or more tabs 168 in the vertical structure mount 102 toallow for vertical displacement of the first link 106 within thevertical structure mount 102. The vertical movability of the first link106 may be used for engagement and disengagement of the mechanism 104with the hooks 164, one example of which is explained further below.

The vertical structure mount 102 may include one or more walls 170extending from an engagement portion 172 configured to attach to thevertical structure V. The first link 106 is received within the verticalstructure mount 102, such that the sidewalls 150 are aligned with thewalls 170. The hooks 164 are provided on or monolithic with the walls170 and are opposite the walls 170 from the engagement portion 172. Inthe upright or stowed position, all or a substantial portion of themechanism 104 is provided in the space between the walls 170 to protectthe mechanism 104 or hide the mechanism 104 from view.

FIG. 7A illustrates the mechanism 104 disengaged from the hooks 164, andFIG. 7B illustrates the mechanism 104 engaged with the hooks 164. Thesecond link 108 includes a surface 174 opposite the surface 161 havingone or more slots 176 configured to receive the one or more hooks 164.In the engaged position, the surface 160 (see FIG. 4) of the second link108 is received against one or more edge surfaces 178 of the walls 170when the hooks 164 are received within the slots 176. Portions 180 ofthe surface 174 between the slots 176 and the surface 161 are receivedagainst surfaces 182 between the hooks 164 and the edge surfaces 178 inthe engaged position to provide an upward force on the mechanism 104.The hooks 164 may also provide an upward force in the engaged position.The hooks 164 are configured to engage the slots 176 prevent rotation ofthe mechanism 104 from the upward stowed position to the downwardposition. In another example, the second link 108 may include the hooksand the vertical structure mount 102 may include the slots.

An upward lifting force on the mechanism 104, one example being anupward force applied to the surface 174 of the second link 108, resultsin vertical displacement of the first link 106 within the verticalstructure mount 102, thereby allowing the second link 108 to disengagefrom the hooks 164 for movement of the weighing device W into the downposition. In one example, the first link 106 is movable in the verticaldirection by approximately ½ inch. This distance may be slightly greaterthan the vertical distance from the surface 182 to the top of the hook164, to allow for clearance of the hook 164 when moving from the engagedto the disengaged position.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the assembly 100 at a position between thedown and upright stowed positions. A force applied to the bottom surfaceW_(B) of the weighing device W would move the assembly 100 toward theupright stowed position, while an absence of force to the bottom surfaceWB of the weighing device W would allow the assembly 100 to move to thedown position, such that the weighing device W engages the horizontalsurface W.

In the example, the fifth link 114 wider than the links 110, 112, and116. The fifth link 114 includes a base 114B and one or more sidewalls114S extending from the base. The sidewalls 114S provide the pairs ofopenings 130, 132, 146. In the upright stowed position, with referenceto FIG. 6, portions of the links 110, 112, and 116 fit between thesidewalls 114S to provide a compact assembly 100. The sixth link 116includes a first portion 116A offset from a second portion 116B by athird portion 116C. In the upright stowed position, the first portion116A is configured to fit between the sidewalls 114S of the fifth link114, while the third portion 116C provides clearance around the pivotjoint provided by the pairs of openings 144, 146. The mechanism 104 is acompact assembly in the upright stowed position.

The extensions 158 of the second link are spaced apart, such that thefifth link 114 and the walls 170 may be located between them when theassembly 100 is in the upright position. The spacing apart of theextensions 158 also allows for attachment to the upper weighing surfaceWu without interfering with a display on the weighing device W.

The links 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 are configured to bear the weightof weighing device W when the assembly 100 is in the upright stowedposition and each position between the upright stowed and downpositions.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a second example mounting assembly 200 for aweighing device W. Referring to FIG. 9, the assembly 200 includes avertical structure mount 202 configured for attachment to a verticalstructure V, one example being a surface of a wall. A mechanism 204 isfixed to the vertical structure mount 202 and to a weighing device W.The mechanism 204 is configured to guide the raising and lowering of theweighing device W from and to a horizontal surface H, one example beinga floor.

The mechanism 204 includes a first link 206 attached to the verticalstructure mount 202. A second link 208 is configured for attachment tothe weighing device W. A third link 210 is pivotably attached to thefirst link 206 and the second link 208, and a fourth link 212 ispivotably attached to the first link 206 and the second link 208. In oneexample, the second link 208 is configured for attachment to an upperweighing surface Wu of the weighing device W. FIG. 9 illustrates theassembly 200 in a down position, where the weighing device W is on ahorizontal surface H, and FIG. 10 illustrates the assembly in theupright stowed position.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first link 206 includes a pair of openings 220vertically above a pair of openings 222. The pair of openings 220 areconfigured to align with a pair of openings 224 in the third link 210 toform a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. The pair of openings 222 areconfigured to align with a pair of openings 226 in the fourth link 212to form a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. A pair of openings 228 inthe third link 210 are configured to align with a pair of openings 244in the second link 208 to form a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. Apair of openings 234 in the fourth link 212 are configured to align witha pair of openings 242 in the second link 208 to form a pivot joint forpivotal attachment.

The pair of openings 224 and the pair of openings 228 are at oppositeends of the third link 210. The pair of openings 226 and the pair ofopenings 234 are at opposite ends of the fourth link 212.

In an example second link 208, a linking portion 254 includes pairs ofopenings 242, 244. The linking portion 254 is attached to an arm portion256. A pair of extensions 258 extend from the arm portion 256. Theextensions 258 are configured to receive a pair of adhesive pads 262 forattaching the second link 208 to an upper weighing surface Wu of theweighing device W. Although two extensions 258 are shown in the example,more or fewer extensions are contemplated.

FIG. 10 shows the assembly 200 in the stowed upright position, in whichthe weighing device W is displaced vertically from the horizontalsurface H, and the upper weighing surface Wu faces the verticalstructure V. For example, the weighing device W may rotate from the downposition to the upright stowed position to be parallel with the verticalstructure V or rotate past a position parallel with the verticalstructure V. In one example, the arm portion 256 of the second link 208includes a surface 261 configured to abut an edge surface WE of theweighing device W to provide upward support to the weighing device Wwhen the assembly 200 is in the upright stowed position. The assembly200 may utilize a locking feature or features to maintain the assembly200 in the stowed upright position.

As one example locking feature, the vertical structure mount 202 mayinclude a bar 263 to engage one or more hooks 265 of the mechanism 204while the assembly 200 is in the vertical stowed position. The bar 263may be vertically above the pairs of openings 220, 222. In the example,the third link 210 includes a hook 265, and the fourth link 212 includestwo hooks 265. More or fewer hooks 265 are contemplated.

For engagement and disengagement of the hooks 265, the first link 206 isvertically movable within the vertical structure mount 202. One or moreof the sidewalls 250 of the first link 206 may include one or morevertically oriented slots 266 for engaging one or more pins 268 in thevertical structure mount 202 to allow for vertical displacement of thefirst link 206 within the vertical structure mount 202. The verticalmovability of the first link 206 may be used for engagement anddisengagement of the hooks 265 and the bar 263. In one example, thefirst link 206 is vertically movable ½ inch within the verticalstructure mount 202.

The assembly 200 is a compact assembly. In the example, the fourth link212 wider than the links 206, 210. The fourth link 212 includes a base212B and one or more sidewalls 212S extending from the base. Thesidewalls 212S provide the pairs of openings 226, 234. In the uprightstowed position, with reference to FIG. 11, portions of the links 206and 210 fit between the sidewalls 212S to provide a compact assembly200. The first link 206 may be wider than the third link 210, such that,in the upright stowed position, the third link 210 fits within sidewalls206S of the first link 206.

FIG. 12 illustrates the assembly 200 at a position between the down andupright stowed positions. A force applied to the bottom surface W_(B) ofthe weighing device W would move the assembly 200 toward the uprightstowed position, while an absence of force to the bottom surface W_(B)of the weighing device W would allow the assembly 200 to move to thedown position, such that the weighing device W engages the horizontalsurface W.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate another example mounting assembly 400 for aweighing device W. Referring to FIG. 13, the assembly 400 includes avertical structure mount 402 configured for attachment to a verticalstructure V (shown schematically), one example being a surface of awall. A mechanism 404 is fixed to the vertical structure mount 402 andto a weighing device W. The mechanism 404 is configured to guide theraising and lowering of the weighing device W from and to a horizontalsurface H, one example being a floor, between a down position (shown)and an upright stowed position (FIG. 15).

Referring to FIGS. 13, 14A, and 14B, the mechanism 404 includes a firstlink 406 attached to the vertical structure mount 402. A second link 408is configured for attachment to the weighing device W. A third link 410is pivotably attached to the first link, and a fourth link 412 ispivotably attached to the first link 406.

A fifth link 414 is pivotably attached to the second link 408, and asixth link 416 is pivotably attached to the second link 408. The thirdlink 410 is pivotably attached to the fifth link 414, and the fourthlink 412 is pivotably attached to the fifth link 414 and the sixth link416. In some examples, the links 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, and 416 may bepivotably attached at pivot joints by rivets or pins. A person ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure wouldrealize that other pivot joints may be utilized.

The weighing device W may be displaced a horizontal distance X along thehorizontal surface H from the vertical structure V, and the verticalstructure mount 402 may be displaced a vertical distance Y along thevertical structure V from the horizontal surface H. In one example, thevalues for X and Y are great enough such that the assembly 400 can cleara baseboard or other object on the vertical structure V. In one example,X is at least about 3 inches and Y is at least about 5 inches. The valuefor X may be great enough such that a user of the weighing device W isspaced an appropriate distance from the vertical structure V when usingthe weighing device W.

The first link 406 includes a first pair of openings 420 and a pair ofopenings 422. The pair of openings 420 are configured to align with apair of openings 424 on the third link 410 to form a pivot joint forpivotal attachment. The pair of openings 422 are configured to alignwith a pair of openings 426 on the fourth link 412 to form a pivot jointfor pivotal attachment. The third link 410 includes a pair of openings428 configured to align with a pair of openings 430 on the fifth link414 to form a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. The fifth link 414includes a pair of openings 432 configured to align with a pair ofopenings 434 in the fourth link 412 to form a pivot joint for pivotalattachment. The fourth link includes a pair of openings 436 configuredto align with a pair of openings 438 in the sixth link 416 to form apivot joint for pivotal attachment. The sixth link 416 includes a pairof openings 440 configured to align with a pair of openings 442 in thesecond link 408 to form a pivot joint for pivotal attachment. The secondlink 408 includes a pair of openings 444 configured to align with a pairof openings 446 in the fifth link 414 to form a pivot joint for pivotalattachment.

The pair of openings 424 and the pair of openings 428 are located atopposite ends of the third link 410. The pair of openings 426 and thepair of openings 434 are located at opposite ends of the fourth link412, with the pair of openings 436 located between the pair of openings426 and the pair of openings 434. The pair of openings 430 and the pairof openings 446 are located at opposite ends of the fifth link 414, andthe pair of openings 432 are located between the pair of openings 430and the pair of openings 446. The pair of openings 438 and the pair ofopenings 440 are located at opposite ends of the sixth link 416. Thepair of openings 420 are vertically above the pair of openings 422.

The first link 406 may include one or more sidewalls 450 spaced from,or, alternatively, extending from, a base wall 452. The end of the thirdlink 410 having the openings 424 and the end of the fourth link 412having the openings 426 are configured to be received between thesidewalls 450 of the first link 406, allowing for a compact assembly 400in the upright stowed and down positions.

The second link 408 includes a plurality of sidewalls 454 extending fromand substantially perpendicular to a base wall 456. The sidewalls 454provide the openings 442 and 444. In one example, the second link 408attaches to the weighing device W through a bracket 458 and a fastener460, such as a screw or a bolt. The bracket 458 may attach at its firstend 461 to the base wall 456 of the second link 408 and at its secondend 463 to a slot W_(S) in the weighing device W. The end 461 may beoffset from the end 463. The fastener 460 may be receivable in anopening Wo in the upper surface Ws of the weighing device W that extendsto the slot W_(S), such that the fastener can be received in an opening465 in the end 463 of the bracket 458 to attach the second link 408, andin turn the mechanism 404 to the weighing device W. The slot W_(S) inthe example is at the back side of the weighing device W, but mayalternatively be located at a side or front side of the weighing deviceW.

The bracket 458 may attach to the weighing device W and/or second link408 through other attachment methods, including but not limiting to asnap-fit design. In some examples, the size and shape of the bracket 458corresponds to its associated weighing device W, such that a variety ofweighing devices W can be utilized with the assembly 400 by providing acustomized bracket 458 for an associated weighing device W.

FIG. 15 shows the assembly 400 in the stowed upright position, in whichthe weighing device W is displaced vertically from the horizontalsurface H, and the upper weighing surface Wu faces the verticalstructure V. For example, the weighing device W may rotate from the downposition to the upright stowed position to be parallel with the verticalstructure V or rotate past a position parallel with the verticalstructure V. As one example, the weighing device W may be 4 degrees pastparallel with the vertical structure V in the upright stowed position.The assembly 400 may utilize a locking feature or features to maintainthe assembly 400 in the stowed upright position.

Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, as one example locking feature,the vertical structure mount 402 may include one or more extensions 471providing slots 473, which are open at the top end of the extensions471. In the example, the extensions 471 extend substantially parallelwith the sidewalls 470. As one alternative, the extensions 471 may beplanar with the sidewalls 470. The slots 473 are configured for engagingthe mechanism 404 when the weighing device is in the vertical position.In the example, the first link 406 is vertically movable within thevertical structure mount 402. The sidewalls 450 of the first link 406may be spaced from the base wall 452 such that slots 475 are providedtherebetween. The slots 475 are configured to receive tabs 477 from thesidewalls 470 of the vertical structure mount 402, such that the firstlink 406 can move vertically within the vertical structure mount 402. Inthe example, the tabs 477 extend substantially perpendicular to thesidewalls 470. The vertical movability of the first link 406 may be usedfor engagement and disengagement of the mechanism 404 with the slots473, one example of which is explained further below.

The vertical structure mount 402 may include one or more walls 470extending from an engagement portion 472 configured to attach to thevertical structure V. The first link 406 is received within the verticalstructure mount 402, such that the sidewalls 450 of the first link 406are aligned with the walls 470 of the vertical structure mount 402. Theextensions 471 are provided on or monolithic with the walls 470 and areopposite the walls 470 from the engagement portion 472.

FIG. 16A illustrates the mechanism 404 disengaged from the slots 473,and FIG. 16B illustrates the mechanism 404 engaged with the slots 473.The second link 408 includes extensions 476 configured to be received inthe slots 473. In one example, the extensions 476 extend outward fromsidewalls 454 of the second link 408 that extend from the base wall 456of the second link 408. The extensions 476 may be substantially alignedwith the pair of openings 444. In the engaged position, the extensions476 are received against the bottom of the corresponding slot 473. Theextension 471 and slot 473 may provide an upward force on the mechanism404 in the engaged position. In another example, the second link 408 mayinclude the slots and the vertical structure mount 402 may include theextensions. One of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure would recognize that other locking features, including, forexample, those described in other embodiments herein, may be utilized.

An upward lifting force on the mechanism 404 results in verticaldisplacement of the first link 406 within the vertical structure mount402, thereby causing the second link 408 to disengage from the slots 473for movement of the weighing device W into the down position. In oneexample, the first link 406 is movable in the vertical direction byapproximately ½ inch. This distance may be slightly greater than thevertical distance from bottom to the top of slot 473, to allow forclearance by the extension 476 when moving from the engaged to thedisengaged position.

FIG. 17 illustrates the assembly 400 at a position between the down andupright stowed positions. A force applied to the bottom surface W_(B) ofthe weighing device W moves the assembly 400 toward the upright stowedposition, while an absence of force to the bottom surface W_(B) of theweighing device W would allow the assembly 400 to move to the downposition, such that the weighing device W engages the horizontal surfaceW.

In the example, the fifth link 414 is wider than the links 410, 412, and416. The fifth link 414 includes a base 414B and one or more sidewalls414S extending from the base. The sidewalls 414S provide the pairs ofopenings 430, 432, 446. In the upright stowed position, with referenceto FIG. 15, portions of the links 410, 412, and 416 fit between thesidewalls 414S to provide a compact assembly 400. The sixth link 416includes a first portion 416A offset from a second portion 416B by athird portion 416C (see FIG. 14B). In the upright stowed position, thefirst portion 416A is configured to fit between the sidewalls 414S ofthe fifth link 414, while the third portion 416C provides clearancearound the pivot joint provided by the pairs of openings 444, 446. Themechanism 404 is a compact assembly in the upright stowed position.

The links 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 are configured to bear the weightof weighing device W when the assembly 400 is in the upright stowedposition and each position between the upright stowed and downpositions.

FIGS. 18-21B illustrate another example mounting assembly 500 for aweighing device W, as one alternative to the bracket 458 and fastener460 arrangement of assembly 400. Like reference numerals represent likefeatures.

In the assembly 500, the second link 508 is configured to receive abracket 558 including an arm portion 584 transverse to an attachmentportion 586 and two extensions 588 extending from the arm portion 584.The attachment portion 586 is configured to attach to the second link508, and the extensions 588 are configured for attaching the bracket 558to the weighing device W. In one example, the attachment portion 586 andthe extensions 588 extend substantially parallel from the arm 584. Thearm 584, attachment portion 586, and extensions 588 may be planar or mayalternatively be offset from one another. The extensions 588 may be atopposite ends of the arm 584 from one another.

The extensions 588 may each be configured for attachment to anassociated mounting feature 590. In one example, the mounting feature590 includes an opening 592 configured for alignment with an opening 594on the extension 588, such that the openings 592,594 may receive afastener for attachment of the bracket 558 to the mounting features 590.One of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosurewould recognize that other methods for attaching the attaching theextensions 588 to the mounting feature 590, or for attaching the bracket558 to the weighing device W, may be utilized.

The mounting features 590 may include, at the surface 596 opposite themounting feature 590 from the extensions 588, adhesive for attachment ofthe mounting features 590 to the upper surface Wu of the weighing deviceW. As one alternative, the extensions 588 of the bracket 558 attachdirectly to the weighing device W through adhesive.

The assemblies 400/500 allow for the example brackets 458/558 to beinterchangeable to allow for flexibility in attaching to a variety ofweighing devices W. One of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure would recognize that the brackets 458/558 areexemplary, and other bracket shapes may be utilized for attaching theweighing device W to assemblies 400/500.

In some examples, the bottom surface W_(B) of the weighing device W mayreceive decorative features, such as, for example, signage, logos,advertisements, artwork, etc., such that the decorative features are ondisplay when the assembly 100/200/400/500 is in the upright stowedposition.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow chart representative of a method 300 formounting a weighing device W to a vertical structure V, for example, byusing the mounting assemblies 100/200/400/500 disclosed herein. At 302,the method may include the step of placing a weighing device W on ahorizontal surface H.

At 304, the method may further include the step of attaching a mountingassembly 100/200 to the weighing device W, wherein the mounting assembly100/200 comprises a vertical structure mount 102/202/402/502, a firstlink 106/206/406/506 attached to the vertical structure mount102/202/403/502, a second link 108/208/408/508 for attachment to theweighing device, a third link 110/210/410/510 pivotably attached to thefirst link 106/206/406/506, and a fourth link 112/212/412/512 pivotablyattached to the first link 106/206/406/506. A fifth link 114/414/514 maybe pivotably attached to the second link 108/408/508, and a sixth link116/416/516 may be pivotably attached to the second link 108. As oneexample, the attaching the mounting assembly 100/200/500 to the weighingdevice W step 304 may include attaching the second link 108/208/508 toan upper weighing surface Wu of the weighing device W. The second link108/208/508 may be attached to the upper weighing surface Wu withadhesive.

At 306, the method may further include positioning the weighing device Wa distance X from the vertical structure. In one example the distance Xis determined by placing the weighing device W on the horizontal surfaceH, extending the mechanism 104/204 to a fully extended position, andadjusting the position of the weighing device W on the horizontalsurface H such that the vertical structure mount 102/202/402/502 abutsand is aligned with the vertical structure V with the weighing device Won the horizontal surface and the mechanism 104/204/404/504 in anextended position. In one example, in the extended position, the firstlink 106/206/406/506 is at its vertically lowest position within thevertical structure mount 102/202/402/502. In another example, thedistance X may be a predetermined distance.

At 308, the method may further include the step of attaching thevertical structure mount 102/202/402/502 to the vertical structure V.The attaching the vertical structure mount 102/202/402/502 to thevertical structure V step 306 may be performed while the weighing deviceW is located on the horizontal surface H at the distance X from thevertical structure V, and the first link 106/206/406/506 is at itsvertically lowest position within the vertical structure mount102/202/406/506, to ensure that the vertical structure mount102/202/402/502 is attached at the correct height. The attaching may bedone with fasteners.

At 310, the method may further include the step of pushing the weighingdevice W toward the vertical structure V, such that the mountingassembly allows the weighing device W to rotate to a positionsubstantially aligned with the vertical structure V. For example, theweighing device W may rotate from the down position to the uprightstowed position to be parallel with the vertical structure V or rotatepast a position parallel with the vertical structure V. In one example,the weighing device W is 4 degrees past parallel in the upright stowedposition to allow for space saving.

At 312, the method may further include locking the assembly in anupright stowed position. As one example, the locking step 310 mayinclude lifting a mechanism 104/204/404/504 relative to the verticalstructure mount 102/202/402/502 to engage one or more slots 176 or bars263 with one or more hooks 164/265 or slots 473/573 with extensions476/576. The first link 106/206/406/506 may be at its vertically lowestpoint within the vertical structure mount 102/202/402/502 when thevertical structure mount 102/202/402/502 is attached to the verticalstructure V to allow sufficient clearance for engagement anddisengagement of the hooks 164 or extensions 476/576.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart representative of a method 600 formounting a weighing device W to a vertical structure V, for example, byusing the mounting assemblies 400/500 disclosed herein. At 602, abracket 458/558 is attached to a weighing device W. At 604, the bracket458/558 is attached to a mounting assembly 400/500. At 606, a verticalstructure mount 402/502 is attached to the vertical structure V.

The method 600 may further include pushing the weighing device W towardthe vertical structure V, such that the mounting assembly 400/500 allowsthe weighing device W to rotate to a position substantially aligned withthe vertical structure V. The method 600 may further include placing theweighing device on a horizontal surface H. the method 600 may furtherinclude attaching a decorative feature to the bottom surface WB of theweighing device W.It should be understood that terms such as “vertical,”“horizontal,” “up,” “down,” and “upright” are used above with referenceto the normal operational attitude of the assemblies 100/200/400/500.Further, these terms have been used herein for purposes of explanation,and should not be considered otherwise limiting. Terms such as“generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are not intended to beboundaryless terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the wayone skilled in the art would interpret those terms.

Although the different examples have the specific components shown inthe illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited tothose particular combinations. It is possible to use some of thecomponents or features from one of the examples in combination withfeatures or components from another one of the examples.

One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that theabove-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is,modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of theclaims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determinetheir true scope and content.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting assembly for a weighing device comprising: a vertical structure mount; a first link attached to and vertically movable within the vertical structure mount; a second link for attachment to a weighing device; a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link; a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.
 2. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, comprising a bracket for attaching the second link to the weighing device.
 3. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, comprising a fifth link pivotably attached to the second link.
 4. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, comprising a sixth link pivotably attached to the second link.
 5. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the third link is pivotably attached to the fifth link, and the fourth link is pivotably attached to the sixth link.
 6. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the third link and fourth link are pivotably attached to the first link.
 7. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the vertical structure mount is configured to be attached to a wall surface.
 8. A method for mounting a weighing device to a vertical structure, comprising: attaching a bracket to a weighing device; attaching the bracket to a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a vertical structure mount, a first link within the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to the weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to the first link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to the first link; and attaching the vertical structure mount to the vertical structure.
 9. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising: pushing the weighing device toward the vertical structure, such that the mounting assembly allows the weighing device to rotate to a position substantially aligned with the vertical structure.
 10. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising: placing the weighing device on a horizontal surface.
 11. The method as recited in claim 8, comprising: lifting the assembly; and lowering the assembly such that a locking feature is engaged, wherein the lifting and lowering cause vertical movement of the first link within the vertical structure mount.
 12. A mounting assembly for a weighing device comprising: a vertical structure mount; a first link attached to and vertically moveable within the vertical structure mount; a second link for attachment to the weighing device; a third link pivotably attached to the first link; a fourth link pivotably attached to the first link; a fifth link pivotably attached to the second link, wherein the third link is pivotably attached to the fifth link; a sixth link pivotably attached to the second link, wherein the fourth link is pivotably attached to the sixth link; and a locking feature configured to lock the weighing device in an upright position, wherein vertical movement of the first link within the vertical structure mount is configured to engage and disengage the locking feature.
 13. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 12, comprising a bracket for attaching the second link to the weighing device.
 14. The mounting assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the fifth link includes a base wall and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the basewall, the sidewalls provide the pivotable attachments between the fifth link and the second link and the third link, and at least portions of each of the second link, third link, and sixth link fit within the sidewalls when the assembly is in the upright position. 